Implications of Growing Up

[Reiko Mountbatten]

• Reiko had been engaged in examining a number of fabrics which had been put on display on the counter top, having still not decided if she was going to purchase a dress for herself or for her doll. She had been so taken with her perusal of the fabrics that she had not heard another soul enter. That is until someone almost bumped into her. The woman gave her apology and Reiko bobbed her acceptance of it in a curtsey, while insisting that 'Please Mam there is no call for that really.' The clipped English accent clashing with the obvious foreignness of her appearance.
  
  The chaperon that had been given temporary charge of Reiko was new to the profession, she was a rather excitable young woman who was so pleased to have been hired to care for the child of a wealthy family that she has dressed Reiko this morning much as one would dress an overly large doll. Her jet black locks were set in heavy curls arranged over each ear like bunches of grapes, red carnations had been added to the array to set off the deep red velvet dress that had been chosen for her to wear that morning. The result was a petite little girl who looked for all the world like an exotic doll, all red velvet and overly preened appearance.
  
  Reiko cast a glance at her chaperon, but the young woman was not paying her any attention, instead she was holding up a length of white material to her head like a veil. Reiko's long lashed eyes turned back to the lady who had addressed her. 'Reiko Mountbatten Mam at your service' she said by way of introduction, in her best respectful tone.